Top New Zealand On the Water - page 6

- Opportunity to view a variety of marine animals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more - Marine mammal viewing guarantee - come again for free if we don’t spot any marine mammals during your cruise^ - Included Island Stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards - Learn about the history and conservation efforts on the volcanic peaks, many islands and extended coastline of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - Hear fascinating stories on the origins and histories of land, sea and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki – original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau

Explore the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park on this thrilling half-day tour. Start with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, You’ll be dropped at a hiking trail beside the Siberia River. Hike at your own pace, for around 4–5 hours. Once you reach the Wilkin River, hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline-inducing ride back to the starting point.

Wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will love the chance to swim with rare Hector’s dolphins so close to Christchurch on this full-day Akaroa tour. Admire views of scenic spots such as Lake Ellesmere on the drive out to Banks Peninsula. Enjoy free time in Akaroa and a cheese tasting at Barry's Bay before hopping onto your cruise boat. Wetsuits and snorkeling gear are provided for a comfortable swim with dolphins.

Head out to the Auckland landmark of Rangitoto Island on this evening kayaking tour. After crossing the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto, embark on a leisurely walk to the summit to catch the sunset over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. You’ll then paddle back in the dark with the help of your guide, taking in the city lights along the way.

Be enchanted by Kaikoura’s marine life on this full-day dolphin-swimming tour from Christchurch without having to drive yourself there and back along winding coastal roads. In Kaikoura, a whale-watching paradise, board a sightseeing boat and jump into the Pacific Ocean with the provided wetsuit and snorkel. Swim alongside dusky dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy the company of these graceful, curious sea mammals with help from your guides.

Adventurous travellers will love this thrill seeking experience which includes driving off-road vehicles, jet boating, and clay bird shooting. This experience is unique as it includes all three activities, meaning visitors will make the most of the exciting opportunities available in the Queenstown region. Enjoy thrill seeking against New Zealand’s magnificent backdrop.

See the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound from the air and water on this half-day tour from Queenstown by sightseeing plane and catamaran. Fly over Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed landscape, then touch down at Milford Sound for a nature cruise. This tour is perfect for photography and wildlife watching, and hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown hotels is included.

Discover Rotorua from a different angle on a fun “duck” tour. This sightseeing adventure takes you aboard an authentic World War II-era amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. Start with a city tour before splashing down into a couple of Rotorua’s many scenic lakes. Listen to live commentary about Rotorua’s history and local landmarks along the way. A family-friendly tour that everyone will enjoy.

With waterfalls cascading down mighty cliffs and some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural scenery, Milford Sound is one the South Island’s must-see destinations—but its remote location makes it hard to reach alone. On this tour, spin through the New Zealand countryside in comfort from central Queenstown with your guide. Admire panoramic views from your glass-roof, low-emissions coach, and cruise the calm waters with a picnic lunch included.

Spend a day relaxing during this catamaran sailing trip, complete with an island stop and packed lunch. Sail aboard a spacious 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the scenery as you glide through the waters. Anchor at a secluded bay at an island accessible only by boat. Choose to stroll the island, swim, try stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkel. Relish a delicious catered packed lunch on beanbags upfront before cruising back to Paihia.

If you’re pressed for time and can’t spend multiple days hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, this small-group tour packs a lot into a day. Cruise around Split Apple Rock, then anchor at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Take the opportunity to explore the park on your own terms: go snorkeling at the beach, paddle a kayak, or disembark and take a bush walk to enjoy the views from another angle.

Active, outdoor-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day jet boating and cycling combo. Zoom up the Upper Waiau River and across Lake Manapouri on a thrilling jet boat ride–don’t forget to take in the amazing views. After a short guided nature walk you’ll grab your bikes for a 7 mile (10 km) ride along a moderately challenging riverside trail. Learn about the area from your guide on the way.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a boat.

Scenic Cruise among 144 sub-tropical islands and discover the Bay of Islands on a small group tour. Visit the landing site of Captain James Cook, and stopover on Roberton island for a short walk to the lookout point over the Twin Lagoons. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the Marine Mammal sanctuary, and listen to live commentary and information provided by your local crew on board. Cruising along the Cape Brett Peninsula and to the famous HOLE IN THE ROCK, Cathedral Cave and Cape Brett Lighthouse Stopover on a second island for a chance to explore the nature trails, take a swim, snorkel, relax and enjoy a beachside picnic lunch before cruising back through the outer islands to finish in Paihia/Russell

Soak in the natural beauty of New Zealand with a full-day tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch. Start with transfer to the Coastal Pacific Train for the journey north to Kaikoura, then transfer to a sturdy boat for your whale-watching cruise. Have lunch afterward, then visit a New Zealand fur seal colony on the return drive to Christchurch.

While lots of experiences let you kayak through the Kaikoura Peninsula, not many allow you to paddle through waters glistening with golden-hued light as the sun sets over the region. Keep an eye out for local wildlife on this half-day small-group tour, including New Zealand fur seals, blue penguins, and albatross as you make your way through the peninsula.

Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds for many, whether your cruise ship is in port or you’ve arrived by ferry from Wellington. This half-day kayak tour is a great way to experience the bays, beaches, and bush-lined coasts of the sounds in half a day. Head out in the morning or afternoon in your sea kayak with a guide to show you around so you don’t get lost.

Sitting majestically off the coast, Rangitoto’s distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260m over the Hauraki Gulf. Boasting a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. This not to be missed walk to the summit takes about an hour at an easy pace. Lookouts along the way provide stunning views as you climb - make sure to leave enough time to detour and explore the lava caves. Plan your visit in advance and ensure you arrive with plenty of time to meet the return ferry to downtown Auckand.

The only dedicated Snorkel Boat trip on the Coromandel operating from Hahei Beach, the Gateway to Cathedral Cove and just a 5-minute boat ride into the Marine Reserve. The boat takes you to any one of a number of sites within the Marine Reserve. The trip is via Cathedral Cove. Providing warm long wetsuits and high-quality snorkel equipment, our skippers are Qualified Scuba Instructors with a wealth of knowledge of the underwater terrain as well as local knowledge of the Coromandel area. Abundance of pelagic fish, an assortment of rays and a variety of local territorial fish awaits you, with the possibility of seeing crayfish. Inexperienced snorkelers and non-swimmers are welcome as we have floating aides available on all trips. Prescription masks are available. Short boat rides. Special Deal - Book onto our specialised snorkel boat tour and keep the snorkel gear for the rest of the day FREE OF CHARGE

The wide, blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this jet boat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps, and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners. This exciting 1-hour 15-minute excursion shows you parts of New Zealand’s South Island you can’t get to any other way.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day kayaking excursion on Moke Lake, a short drive from Queenstown. With a small group you’ll be taken to the lake and given a thorough safety briefing and a map before enjoying free time to paddle at your own pace on the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Learn about the area from your guide during the bus journey. Refuel with refreshments after.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and also famous for the scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Discover both on this full-day small-group tour without the risk of self-driving. After a pickup from Picton or Blenheim, visit several wineries for expert-led wine tastings. Tuck into a light lunch before setting sail on a Marlborough Sounds cruise, admiring the views as you sample delicious local salmon and greenshell mussels.

Enjoy an active adventure from Queenstown without having to plan any of the logistics on this half-day canyoneering trip that’s even suitable for beginners. Walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you descend by zipline, abseil (rappel) down waterfalls, plunge into natural pools, float down narrow passageways, and cascade down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on your skill level.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on Lake Te Anau on a tour that combines a cruise and guided nature walk in Fiordland National Park. Set sail on a motorized yacht for a relaxed cruise with drinks and snacks. After a bush walk with mountain views, set sail for the return trip. Note that this tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and has some restrictions for travelers with limited mobility.